SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AND POLICY FOR STUDENTS
The University is concerned with preventing the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol; educating
students regarding medical and psychological hazards; and increasing student sensitivity to the ways in
which substance abuse interferes with the rights and privileges of others. The use of illicit drugs and the
abuse of alcohol result in serious health hazards and potential legal penalties for those convicted of
unlawful use, possession, or distribution of these substances.
The University has a tradition of students acting responsibly and refraining from actions that are
damaging to themselves, to others, or to the University. Students are expected to take responsibility for
their own conduct and to comply with state and federal laws as well as with University policy. All students
will be furnished with a copy of this policy.
Claremont Graduate University prohibits the use, possession, cultivation, manufacture, sale or
transfer of illegal drugs on University property or at campus-sponsored activities. Students are
expected to act lawfully with respect to the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Consumption of alcohol by individuals under 21 is prohibited.
Local, State, and Federal Legal Sanctions
Local, state, and federal laws establish severe penalties for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit
drugs and alcohol. These sanctions, upon conviction, may range from a fine and probation to lengthy
imprisonment. In the case of possession or distribution of illegal drugs these sanctions could include
seizure and the summary forfeiture of property, including vehicles. It is especially important to know that
recent federal laws have increased the penalties for illegally distributing drugs to include life imprisonment
and fines in excess of $l,000,000. Some other examples of the laws include:
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Unlawful possession of any controlled substance is punishable by imprisonment in the state
prison.
The purchase, possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverages (including beer and wine)
by any person under the age of 21 is prohibited.
It is unlawful to provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21.
Selling or serving alcohol to an intoxicated person is prohibited.
Any person found in a public place to be under the influence of an intoxicating liquor or drug and
unable to care for his/her own safety or interfering with the use of a public way is guilty of
disorderly conduct, which is a misdemeanor.
Selling, either directly or indirectly, any alcoholic beverages except under the authority of a
California Alcoholic Beverage Control License is prohibited. This includes selling glasses, mixes,
ice, or tickets for admission.
Possession of an alcoholic beverage in an open container in a motor vehicle or on a bicycle is
unlawful, regardless of who is driving or whether one is intoxicated.
Driving a motor vehicle or bicycle while under the influence of alcohol is unlawful.
Students should also be advised that the manufacture, use or provision of a false state identification card
or drivers license is prohibited.
California State Laws are available at the Honnold/Mudd Library in the annual publication of West
Annotated California Codes.
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Claremont Graduate University
Substance Abuse Prevention and Policy for Students
Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol
The use of any mind or mood-altering substance, including alcohol, can lead to psychological
dependence, which is defined as a need or craving for the substance and feelings of restlessness,
tension, or anxiety when the substance is not used. In addition, with many substances, use can lead to
physical tolerance, characterized by the need for increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the
same effect, and/or physical dependence, characterized by the onset of unpleasant or painful
physiological symptoms when the substance is no longer being used. As tolerance and psychological or
physical dependence develop, judgment becomes impaired and people often do not realize they are
losing control over the use of the substance and that they need help.
Alcohol acts as a depressant to the central nervous system and can cause serious short and long-term
damage. Short-term effects include nausea, vomiting, and ulcers; more chronic abuse can lead to brain,
liver, kidney, and heart damage and even eventual death. Ingesting a large amount of alcohol at one
time can lead to alcohol poisoning, coma, and death. Drugs such as LSD, amphetamines, marijuana,
cocaine, and alcohol alter emotion, cognition, perception, physiology, and behavior in a variety or ways.
Health risks include but are not limited to depression, apathy, hallucinations, paranoia, and impaired
judgment. Abuse of either alcohol or drugs during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects,
spontaneous abortion, and stillbirths.
It is impossible to accurately predict how an individual will react to a specific drug or to alcohol because
effects vary depending on the person, environmental variables, the dosage and potency of the substance,
the method of taking the substance, the chronicity or use, and whether the substance is taken in
conjunction with other substances. Illegal drugs have particularly unpredictable effects due to variability
in dosage and purity. When two or more substances are combined, there is often an effect that is
stronger than their additive sum.
Assistance for Alcohol Abuse and/or Drug Use Problems
The Claremont Colleges are committed to education and counseling as the primary focus of their
substance abuse programs and provide confidential, professional assistance for students. Students are
urged to seek information and help regarding substance abuse for themselves or their friends. A variety
of services including counseling, educational materials, and/or referrals are available at the following
offices:
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Health Education Outreach Office – McAlister Center, 919 N. Columbia Avenue, 607-3602 or
621-8871
Monsour Counseling Center – 735 N. Dartmouth, 621-8202
Baxter Student Health Services – 175 E. 6th Street, 621-8222
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students – Harper East
To protect students’ privacy, information regarding a student during participation in any related program is
treated as confidential.
Sanctions
The University will impose sanctions on individuals and organizations that violate this policy. These
sanctions will be consistently enforced and penalties will depend on the severity of the offense. The
Provost, and Associate Vice President and Dean of Students will deal with violations and disciplinary
action.
Penalties can include expulsion from the University and referral for prosecution for violations of the law.
A student who is found to be selling illegal drugs may be suspended or expelled from the University, even
for a first offense. Sanctions for less severe offenses may include, but are not limited to, the following:
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verbal and written warnings, the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, and suspension for
the repeat offender. An event may be closed immediately or other intervention may be taken to correct a
violation. Disciplinary action may be invoked entirely apart from any civil or criminal penalties that the
student might incur.
September 1990
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